1st Edition Illustrations of Huck Finn

Sunday, March 21, 2010

SDSUniverse:eventTom and Huck and Jim brings to life Twain's characters.Wednesday, March 10, 2010New Theater Production Celebrates Twain ClassicsTom and Huck and Jim runs March 12-20 in the SDSU Experimental Theatre.Event Details

San Diego State University's School of Theatre, Television and Film is proud to announce the original production of Tom and Huck and Jim, A Mark Twain Centenary Tribute. Based on the classic novels written by Twain, the production brings to life the adventures of Tom and Huck in the Antebellum South on the Mississippi River.

In Tom and Huck and Jim, audiences are transported to 19th Century Hannibal, Mo., where Twain grew up and wrote his classic stories. This literary tale paints a picture of growing up in segregated America, and the trials and temptations therein, including the racism and prejudice of the day.

Twain acts as a tour guide and narrator in the play. New musical compositions are being created for this production, which is heavily influenced by ragtime and gospel themes. With Twain, music and much-loved characters, this fun production is still sure to spark lively discussions, as the language and situations in this play are historically accurate for the period.

Tom and Huck and Jim shows in the SDSU Experimental Theatre at 8 p.m., March 12, 13 and 18. Matinee performances are at 2 p.m., March 14, and 4 p.m., March 20.

Group sales can be arranged for 10 or more patrons attending the same performance for only $10 per ticket (including service charge). To make arrangements for a group, please contact Jarret Addleman at 619-594-6365. Information and individual tickets are $13 to $15, plus service charge, and can be obtained online at theatre.sdsu.edu or at the Performing Arts Box Office at 619-594-6884.

About SDSU Month

This event is part of the 8th annual SDSU Month, a celebration throughout March of the university's dynamic and enriching relationship with the San Diego community.

SDSU Month will feature 31 days of fun and stimulating academic, arts and athletic events, as well as offers from local businesses and organizations for SDSU's growing family of friends and colleagues. A complete listing of SDSU Month events and other special discounts will be available in the coming days at www.sdsumonth.com.

JIM LEENathan Kirsch and Alexandra Alberda, pictured Monday, January 4, 2010, star in the Briar Cliff University Drma Departments presentation of "The Diaries of Adam and Eve." (Jim Lee/Sioux City Journal)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

And with that biblical introduction, most of us know what follows is: "male and female He created them."

Briar Cliff University's Department of Theatre examines the Genesis creation story in the production of Mark Twain's "Diaries of Adam and Eve."

"This play is a warm and witty look at the creation of humanity," said director Richard Poole. "It is replete with Mark Twain's inimitable humor."

Originally, Twain (nee Samuel Clemens) wrote "Excerpts from the Diary of Adam" around 1893, basing the character on himself. Over a decade later, Twain penned "Eve's Diary," after the death of his beloved wife Olivia.

The two tales have been combined by various writers in various versions since the turn of the 20th century. The BCU version was adapted for the stage by actor David Birney, best know for the television comedy "Bridget Loves Bernie."

Much like the story in the Bible, the "diaries" are a record of the lives of the first two humans God created, Poole said.

"The appeal of the show is an examination of the beginning of the world as only Mark Twain could tell it," he said.

Adam (Nathan Kirsch) and Eve (Alexandra Alberda) take turns -- barefoot -- exploring the Garden of Eden, discovering each other along with everything else. Adam even muses of Eve: "This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. I wish it would stay with the other animals."

"The two characters are trying to understand what this new world is about," Poole said. "They talk about what love means and experience how steadfast love can be from their eating of the fruit to their exile from Eden."

For those who think "Huckleberry Finn" and "Tom Sawyer" when they think of Mark Twain, the "Diaries" contain a good sample of Twain's wry humor and observations on the human condition, Poole said.

"It's a delightful look at the world, but asks the questions of 'What do we want? What does God want?'" he pointed out. "Especially after the couple eat the apple, they are left to their own devices, which makes us wonder if that's what God might have intended. To have us develop as our own selves instead of being dependent on Him."

Adam and Eve may be ignorant of the new world that awaits them, but like Twain, they are thoughtful seekers of the answers to the questions they faced, Poole said.

"The play does ask some interesting questions for the audience to think about," he acknowledged. "Would Adam and Eve have to be cast out of the garden to find love? It's something to think about."

God, the serpent, even Cain and Abel appear in this play, but through the dialogue of the two principal characters, Poole pointed out.

"The audience will get an enchanting new look at these two biblical characters," he said.